Sunday, February 12, 2012

With the prices for the 86 finally revealed, (Just below 2million Yens for the base "Tuner Spec") i think it's probably the right time to do my Tokyo Auto Salon Hachiroku report. The Toyota 86 was the biggest draw for me (and many others i'm sure) at the event. The moment we saw the Toyota booth, that was the direction i headed. Flashback 2 years ago, i was one of those lucky ones who came face to face with the Gazoo Racing FT86 at the 2010 Auto Salon. It was an awesome sight back then seeing the concept, and finally seeing the production car (albeit with some "enchancements") after following it's progression from internet rumours and initial sketches, was pretty awesome to say the least. When we got there, they popped the bonnet for us to take a peak inside.Toyota brought out 2 "tuned" Hachis, one with TRD parts and the other, enhanced with Modellista parts.The TRD in my opinion, the better looker.We had the priviledge of peeping into the cabin on press day as well, and if you really wanted, you could ask nicely and plonk your bum into the driver's seat.Details details...On the walls are all them "go-faster" and "look-faster" parts from Toyota.Elsewhere in the halls, Falken and Dunlop tyres shared a Hachiroku together with each company's liveries showcased on either side.They even had an artist put some paints on the board.Outside, HKS showcasing their return to D1 with the new Hachi.The car's probably still pretty stock at the moment but we think it won't be staying that way for long.And to end this Hachi report, an N1 version from Toyota sitting outside awaiting it's turn for a demo run. Next up, Hachiroku's twin, the Subaru BRZ!